Art of the Book & Paper 2026

The Rochester Public Library invites book artists and paper sculptors to participate in the 15th annual international juried exhibition "The Art of the Book & Paper," on display in the Anthony Mascioli Gallery at the historic Central Library in downtown Rochester, NY from October 5 – December 31, 2026. The juried exhibition has earned an international reputation among book artists since 2011, featuring intricate bindings, transformed volumes, intricate folds, and sweeping structures that push the boundaries of form and meaning.

Artists 18 and older are invited to submit digital photos of their work by July 1, 2026. Up to three applications are allowed per artist, with a $20 entry fee per submission (discounted to $5 for second and third entries using coupon code ROCHBOOK2026). Work samples must be submitted as JPEG or JPG format images, minimum 1,200 pixels, maximum 5 MB. Accepted artists must deliver work by September 8, 2026 via mail or in person. Three-dimensional and unframed two-dimensional works are acceptable; hung works must be ready to hang with picture wire.

$650 in cash prizes will be awarded in three categories: Artists Books (original work in book form), Altered Books (creatively recycled books), and Paper Sculpture (sculpture using paper as the predominant material). Judges' results will be emailed July 21-24, 2026. A reception and award ceremony is scheduled for November 4, 2026 (tentative). Artwork will be shipped to artists January 15-30, 2027, with appointments available for in-person pickups. The Library will not handle sales but may share artist contact information with interested buyers upon request. Artists grant the Library rights to photograph and display accepted entries for archival and promotional use, including social media, with artist credit.